Miao Dao - Joyce Carol Oates

Reading Challenge Category: Needed a short book to make up my yearly number

Official Blurb:

A girl comes of age with a vengeance—and help from a friend—in a tale of unnerving suspense from National Book Award winner and literary master Joyce Carol Oates.
Bad things have been happening since Mia began to mature. Her dad left. Boys at school can’t keep their hands to themselves. A lecherous stepfather has moved in. Her only refuge is an abandoned lot on her suburban cul-de-sac, crawling with feral felines—one of which follows Mia home. Ghostly white and affectionate, she is Mia’s new companion and—as Mia’s tormenters will soon discover—her fierce protector.

My Thoughts:

I recently delved into "Miao Dao" by Joyce Carol Oates, seeking a brief addition to my yearly book tally. The novella turned out to be the perfect choice, proving to be engaging and genuinely shocking. Its concise nature didn't diminish its impact; on the contrary, the narrative concluded with a stop-dead-and-think moment that left me reeling. A brilliant short read that not only contributed to my reading goal but also left a lasting impression with its unexpected twists and turns.